ADAC GT Masters·7.8.2016

ADAC GT Masters: Comments after the race: Observations from the paddock after the tenth race of the season

Christopher Mies (Montaplast by Land-Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS), winner in general classification: "After the bad luck we had with the puncture in Saturday´s race, the second race went really well. We were satisfied with our third place on the grid. Then I got off to a good start. In the early stages, it wasn´t possible to get past the two Porsches ahead of us. I concentrated on managing the tyres. In the second half of the race, Connor (De Phillippi) did a great job and overtook two cars. As the current championship leaders didn´t score any points today, we are now just 14 behind and back in contention for the title."

Laurens Vanthoor (kfzteile24 APR Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS), P2 in general classification: "I got hemmed in at P4 in the early stages of the race and could easily have gone faster. When the pit stop window opened, I stayed out the longest of the leading quartet on the track and went flat out. This enabled us to gain the time to come out in the lead after the pit stops. Unfortunately, Florian (Stoll) had to concede first place – but ultimately we are content with the runner-up spot."

Florian Stoll (kfzteile24 APR Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS), P2 in general classification: "Our team´s tactics were perfect. Going into the pit stops, we were in fourth place, but after the pit stops we were first. Unfortunately, I was unable to hang on to the position. Connor (De Phillippi) was consistently faster exiting the corners, and eventually I was no longer able to stop him getting past. But we´re still very satisfied with second place, especially with having had to start from P5 after a three-place grid penalty. This is the best result for us personally this season and also the best for our team."

David Jahn (KÜS TEAM75 Bernhard, Porsche 911 GT3-R), P3 in general classification: "We started from pole position and then ‘only´ (in quote marks) finished third, but we are still well satisfied. Two podiums in the ADAC GT Masters – what more could you want? The race was by no means easy; the Audis were very fast. I tried to take the race at my own rhythm and not to make any errors. Generally speaking, the season is obviously going pretty well for us. We´re very proud of this."

Kévin Estre (KÜS TEAM75 Bernhard, Porsche 911 GT3-R), P3 in general classification: "My start was good and I gave it everything I´d got in the first stint. But I also noticed that it was more difficult than in the first race on Saturday. The Audis were faster than us. David (Jahn) also drove well, and third place was the maximum we were capable of today. A P1 and a P3 finish – none of the other teams has score more points than us this weekend."

Peter Hoevenaars (Montaplast by Land-Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS), P6 in general classification, P2 in Junior class: "At last we´ve managed to finish a race without any problems. When we do that, we normally come away with a decent result. The car felt good and we are very satisfied."

Frédéric Vervisch (Montaplast by Land-Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS),P6 in general classification, P2 in Junior class: "Our focus was on finishing the race. This is always a challenge in a series as eventful as the ADAC GT Masters. Fortunately, we succeeded in that regard. Sixth place is a good result. I´m also happy for our team-mates Christopher (Mies) and Connor (De Phillippi) who are back in contention for the title after their race win."

Marvin Dienst (bigFM Racing Team Schütz Motorsport, Porsche 911 GT3-R), P8 in general classification, P3 in Junior class: "After we were forced to retire from Saturday´s race while we were in seventh position, our P8 finish today comes as something of a consolation. Especially as our car was the worse for wear after our retirement, but our team put in a magnificent effort to get it raceworthy again."

Klaus Bachler (bigFM Racing Team Schütz Motorsport, Porsche 911 GT3-R), P8 in general classification, P3 in Junior class: "As I see it, we could have done even better than eighth today. The car felt good, and I was fast out there. However, I was unable to get past a slower opponent in the initial stages. If there had been a fair opportunity, I would have attempted it."